By Bosun Obafemi
The Presidency has disclosed that the rescue of victims abducted on May 15, 2026, was carried out without any form of negotiation or prisoner exchange with the kidnappers.
Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said security agencies successfully executed the rescue operation, leading to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, who are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). He added that some members of the criminal group were neutralised during the operation.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, in an incident that triggered coordinated security efforts to locate their abductors and secure their safe release.
Onanuga stated that there was no quid pro quo arrangement involved in the rescue, dismissing claims that the government agreed to any demands made by the kidnappers.
He explained that one of the terrorists whose release was reportedly demanded by the abductors was a kingpin within the group and is currently facing prosecution over alleged atrocities.
The presidential spokesperson said the security agencies would provide a comprehensive account of the operation, including details of the arrests and other developments, in due course.
